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Pho lunch spots

You need a lunch spot that serves a reliable bowl of pho. You want a quick meal that doesn't cut corners on the broth.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Pho Nom image 1
Pho Nom image 2
Pho Nom image 3
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Pho restaurant

Interior features modern decor with flowers and lanterns creating a cozy, dreamlike atmosphere. Music plays a chill, well-curated playlist that complements the vibe. The space feels authentic and thoughtfully designed, inviting a relaxed dining experience.

Beef pho stands out with its rich broth and delicious flavor. The pho here consistently impresses with authentic taste and quality ingredients.

Service during lunch is friendly and attentive, with staff like Danny, Hoang, and Jason enhancing the experience. Broth served is light and not too heavy, making it suitable for a midday meal.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"I found the pho here to be super flavorful and delicious."

"The Lunch Spot broth is rich, flavorful, and tastes traditional."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2–5 PM with a variety of drinks at good prices.

2

Parking can be tough, especially at night due to nearby attractions.

3

Pho Nom closes late at 10:30 PM, perfect for late-night cravings.

02
VIET NOM image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small space with modern Vietnamese decor featuring colored lanterns and fans creates an inviting atmosphere. Music plays a lively R&B throwback playlist, adding energy to the cozy setting. The vibe is welcoming and comfortable, ideal for conversation and enjoying meals.

Pho stands out for its rich broth and balanced flavors. The Pho Nom variety offers a delicious, satisfying experience that many consider unmatched.

Quick service handles the lunch rush smoothly with efficient staff. Pho stands out as a delicious option, making it a solid choice for a quiet lunch spot away from crowds.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has amazing pho with rich, flavorful broth."

"I found the pho here to have a rich, flavorful broth."

"This lunch spot's pho broth is rich, flavorful, and authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours.

2

Expect longer wait times on weekends due to limited staff.

3

The menu has limited options for gluten-free diets.

03
Pho46 & Banh Mi image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small mom and pop Vietnamese restaurant offers clean, peaceful atmosphere with a super authentic vibe. The space feels comfortable and relaxing but has a basic interior. Known for budget-friendly prices and fresh, flavorful pho and banh mi, it attracts those seeking quality at low cost.

Offers healthy portions of pho with steak at a great price, often 30% cheaper than others. Pho is super tasty and extra hot, with fresh ingredients and balanced saltiness.

Offers quick lunch options with takeout available. Good spot to grab a meal on the go.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho broth, is so good."

"The Pho here has such a rich, flavorful broth."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is amazing and yummy."

Good to know

1

The prices at Pho46 & Banh Mi are budget-friendly, making it a great option in San Diego.

2

Parking is easy and convenient near the restaurant.

3

The restaurant is kid-friendly, making it suitable for families.

04
Pho Cow Cali image 1
Pho restaurant

Steampunk-themed interior with large seats and murals creates a lively, bustling atmosphere. Dim lighting and soft music add to the authentic Vietnamese vibe. The place suits groups and families more than quiet dinners due to its hectic and noisy environment.

Rich broth and generous portions define the pho here. It stays open late, serving consistent quality that has earned a loyal following for decades.

Lines form for lunch at a spot known for family gatherings every Sunday. The place draws a steady crowd for its casual dining atmosphere.

People are saying

"The pho here is super delicious and flavorful."

"I considered this the best Pho I ever had."

"This lunch spot has the best tasting pho."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on weekends due to popularity.

2

Arrive early to avoid a long wait, especially on Fridays.

3

The waitlist moves quickly, often under 20 minutes.

05
Pho Minh image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small indoor space with a clean and sleek look creates a simple setting. The atmosphere feels like a family-owned business with great music playing quietly. Known for authentic Vietnamese pho, it draws steady diners despite limited parking and a modest vibe.

Broth stands out with a perfectly flavored champagne clear quality and tender beef. Options include chicken pho with veggie broth and beef rib pho, both authentic and affordable.

Offers a quick lunch option suitable for nearby errands. The Pho serves well on cold, rainy days.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, is really amazing."

"I thought the pho here was really amazing."

"This Lunch Spot has tasty, fresh, and delicious dishes."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, but the lot is well lit.

2

Prices are affordable, with meals averaging around $10-$15.

3

Expect a wait before your meal arrives, as this is not a fast food place.

06
Xin Chào Eatery image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Modern interior with neon accents and clean, round light fixtures creates a relaxed vibe. Seating includes a functional bar area and limited outdoor options, accommodating about 35-40 people. The atmosphere stays welcoming and comfortable, with lively kitchen sounds adding to the energy.

Oxtail pho features deeply flavorful meat that falls right off the bone and comes in large portions. Pho options include beef ribs that fall off the bone, rib eye, and backrib pho, all served with nice cuts of meat and authentic broth.

Takeout orders come out quickly, often earlier than the estimated 5 to 10 minutes. The Tofu Banh Mi offers a solid vegetarian option for lunch.

People are saying

"I thought the Vietnamese food, especially the pho, was great."

"The vegan tofu pho had lots of tofu and veggies."

"My lunch order was ready early and perfectly packaged."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and accessible bathrooms.

2

Menu options include beef Pho, vegetarian tofu Pho, shrimp Pho, and chicken Pho.

3

Prices are reasonable compared to other Vietnamese restaurants in the area.

07
PHO Kitchen image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant offers authentic pho with generous portions and affordable prices in a clean, modern setting. The space is small but comfortable, creating a welcoming atmosphere for casual meals. Sauce presentation and some details reflect a simple, unpretentious style.

Broth stands out with its authentic flavor and balanced taste, not too sweet or salty. Pho arrives quickly, with generous portions and reasonable prices making it a solid choice for a casual meal.

Casual and quick, this spot suits a work lunch or a fast stop for anyone passing by. It fits well for a simple midday meal without fuss.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has incredible taste and generous portions."

"This lunch spot has a huge bun special with all the fixings."

"The pho here has great taste and tender meat."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult at times, so arrive early.

2

The large bowl is enough to feed two people.

3

Prices are very affordable compared to the quality of food.

08
Pho Leo & Grill image 1
Restaurant

Spacious restaurant with a modern Asian design and an open kitchen creates a clean and inviting atmosphere. Seating is comfortable with firm cushions and plenty of room for large groups or mobility needs. The vibe is calm and friendly, with a muted energy during quieter times.

Broth arrives sizzling hot and rich with authentically layered flavor. Large portions feature juicy ribeye and brisket, with chicken pho offering soft, delicious meat.

Offers a balanced lunch with a quiet section at the back for company lunches or private events.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, is so flavorful."

"I found the pho soup here to be one of the best I've ever had."

"This lunch spot has fresh grilled meat and flavorful pho broth."

Good to know

1

The happy hour deal includes $3 drafts and $5 crispy wings.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with a good selection of food.

3

The portions at Pho Leo & Grill are large, often leading to leftovers.

09
Pho Lucky image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Bright dining room with colorful murals and a modern look creates a cozy atmosphere. Spacious seating and ample parking support a relaxed pace. Known for authentic pho with flavorful broth and generous portions.

Pho here features a rich, flavorful broth with fresh ingredients that keep it consistently delicious. Options like oxtail and filet mignon pho stand out for their quality and reasonable prices.

Lunch features dac biet pho as a main dish. This spot serves consistent Vietnamese flavors across visits.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here is delicious and a great value."

"The pho here is delicious, piping hot, and a great value."

"This lunch spot's pho broth is hearty and hits home."

Good to know

1

There are plenty of parking spaces with handicap accessibility.

2

The bathroom is clean, indicating good hygiene standards.

3

Prices for food are very fair for the amount they give you.

10
PT Eatery image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious and clean interior offers ample seating with a friendly, airy design. Atmosphere feels relaxing yet slightly uncomfortable at times, accommodating groups and families. The place fills with people and carries an amazing aroma upon entry.

Rich broth stands out in the pho here, with options like beef short rib, oxtail, and meatball pho. The pho often comes with generous meat portions, and dishes like calamari and baked catfish pair well with it.

Tables are available quickly even during the busy lunch hour. Service runs at an okay pace, making it suitable for a group lunch.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has a rich, flavorful broth."

"I thought the pho here was seriously the best I've ever had."

"This Lunch Spot has the best tofu dish I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on busy nights to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking is ample, with an EV charging station available on-site.

3

The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

11
Phở Duyên Mai image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious Vietnamese restaurant with a casual, friendly atmosphere and moderate noise from close tables and lively conversations. Busy and popular spot attracting a diverse crowd, often requiring a wait during peak times. Known for affordable prices, excellent pho, and family-friendly vibe.

Broth stands out with its rich, flavorful taste and steaming hot presentation. House Special Pho features tender, medium-rare beef like filet mignon, rare steak, and brisket, paired well with spring rolls.

Lunch here is friendly and quick with options like pho and summer rolls. Typical lunch costs around $30 including tip, making it a solid go-to spot for midday meals.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has a rich, flavorful broth."

"The lunch spot's pho and summer rolls were decent and flavorful."

"The Pho broth was flavorful but overly salty."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a large free lot at the front and back.

2

Expect a wait of 5-10 minutes for a table during busy hours.

3

Prices for pho range from $11 to $14 for a large bowl.

12
Bánh Mì Hội An image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant offers cozy, calm atmosphere with simple, clean decor and authentic culinary traditions. It draws a welcoming crowd seeking outstanding pho and bánh mì sandwiches. Indoor seating feels dated, but the place remains a chill spot to relax and enjoy flavorful food.

Broth stands out as very flavorful and well balanced, paired with tender filet mignon and vermicelli noodles. Pho Dip offers a unique twist with banh mi served alongside for dipping.

Lunch offers no frills dining with great food and great service. Portions are generous enough for dinner and leftovers the next day.

People are saying

"I found the Banh Mi here to be flavorful and loaded."

"The filet mignon pho here has tender, flavorful beef."

"The banh mi here is packed with tender, flavor-bomb meats."

Good to know

1

The best parking is behind the building.

2

The prices are very affordable, with meals around $23.

3

They are closed on Wednesdays.

13
Phở Time - Vietnamese Fusion image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious interior with high ceilings and natural light creates a bright, open feel. Warm, family-friendly atmosphere blends with relaxing ambiance and tasteful decor including fish tanks. The vibe stays calm even when busy, welcoming a diverse crowd with vegetarian options and dog-friendly policies.

Broth offers rich flavor that exceeds expectations. Options include pork platter pho combo and brisket pho, both consistently delicious.

Low key late lunch vibes fill the space with an abundance of sunlight pouring through the dining room. The atmosphere stays chill and relaxed, making it a solid spot for a Sunday lunch with a friend.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"I thought the pho here was the best I'd ever tasted."

"The chicken pho here is perfect for an upset stomach."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is dog friendly, allowing pets in the outdoor seating area.

2

They offer a large menu with many vegetarian options available.

3

Expect a small portion size for the price, which may not be filling for everyone.

14
Pho G-Beef image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Bright, spacious interior with colorful decor and professional food photography on the walls creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant serves Northern Vietnamese style pho, offering a distinct flavor profile compared to typical Southern variants. Staff speak Vietnamese, adding to the authentic vibe.

Northern style pho broth tastes authentic and flavorful with fresh vegetables and noodles. A jar of pepper and garlic pickles comes on the side, and the ribs in the pho stand out as particularly delicious.

Vietnamese pho features on the lunch menu with options like Pho G-Beef. Service during peak lunch hours is slow with long waits for seating.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food, especially the pho, tasted authentic and delicious."

"The Pho here tastes authentic and is made with fresh ingredients."

"The chicken pho at this Lunch Spot is delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant serves authentic Northern Vietnamese cuisine, different from most Vietnamese places.

2

Expect generous portion sizes, though some find them slightly smaller than average.

3

The restaurant is very clean, with well-maintained restrooms and dining areas.

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San Diego, California

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